Manhunt underway after woman found strangled inside columbia home — Crime Scene - Police Line Do Not Cross

Howard County police charge 24-year-old with murder and urge public to report any sightings

COLUMBIA, MD — A manhunt is underway in Howard County after police obtained a murder warrant for a 24-year-old man accused of killing his girlfriend, who was found dead inside a Columbia home over the weekend.

Howard County police have charged Darwin Carcamo-Santiago, 24, with first- and second-degree murder in the death of 35-year-old Esmeralda Perez-Mendez of Takoma Park.

According to investigators, officers responded Sunday, July 26, to a residence in the 9000 block of Watchlight Court after an acquaintance of the suspect discovered Perez-Mendez dead in the suspect’s bedroom.

Detectives said Perez-Mendez suffered injuries consistent with strangulation. Preliminary findings indicate she may have been killed during the overnight hours between Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26.

Police believe Carcamo-Santiago fled the area and are actively searching for him.

He is described as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing approximately 140 pounds, with black hair.

Anyone with information about Carcamo-Santiago’s whereabouts is urged not to approach him. Instead, contact Howard County police at 410-313-STOP or email HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov.

The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Key Points

Howard County police are searching for a 24-year-old man wanted in a Columbia homicide.
Esmeralda Perez-Mendez, 35, was found dead inside a home on Watchlight Court.
Investigators say the victim suffered injuries consistent with strangulation and are asking the public to report sightings of the suspect.

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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